Ajwain, also known as carom seeds, are a popular spice used in Indian cuisine. They have a distinct flavor, much like thyme, but with a slight aniseed taste. Ajwain is used to flavor a variety of dishes, from curries to breads and even beverages. In addition to its culinary uses, it has a long history of medicinal uses, such as treating digestive problems, relieving pain, and even fighting off parasites. This post will explore the many uses of ajwain, both in cooking and in traditional medicine. We’ll discuss some of the health benefits associated with this spice, and provide some tips on how to incorporate it into your diet. Finally, we’ll give you some recipe ideas to get you started on your ajwain journey.
Ajwain Nutritional Value and Calories Chart
The nutritional value of ajwain is quite impressive and it is an excellent source of dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is a good source of iron, magnesium, potassium, and manganese. It also contains small amounts of calcium and phosphorus. Ajwain contains numerous essential oils, including thymol, carvacrol, and limonene. These oils have been found to possess anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and anti-bacterial properties.
Nutritional value of Ajwain per 100 grams.
- Calories: 375 kcal
- Protein: 19.6 g
- Carbohydrates: 56.5 g
- Fiber: 26 g
- Fat: 7.8 g
- Sugars: 2.2 g
- Sodium: 36 mg
- Calcium: 876 mg
- Iron: 23.4 mg
- Potassium: 1265 mg
- Vitamin C: 11.7 mg
- Vitamin A: 16 IU
Ajwain in India
The dill plant resembles bishops weed. People have cultivated Bishop’s weed in India since ancient times. The herb yields dry seeds known as ajowan seeds. These seeds are greenish-brown colored, aromatic, sharp, tingling, and slightly bitter. The essential oil, constituting 2 – 3% of the bishop’s weed, contains thymol present in the range of 35-60%. Thymol easily crystallizes from the oil and is sold in India as flowers of ajowan – ajowan ka phul. People utilize the leaves of the plant as a vermicide, while the roots also provide diuretic and carminative effects.
- Scientific Binomial: Trachyspermum ammi
- Ayurvedic: Yavaani / Yamaani / Yavaanikaa / Yamaanikaa / Dipyaka
- Unani: Nankhwaah / Desi Ajawaayin
- Common English: Bishops Weed / Ajowan / Carom Seeds / Lovage / Carum / Ammi / Lovage / Kammun
- Sanskrit: Ajamoda / Ajamodika / yavani / yamanika
- Hindi / Urdu: Ajwain
- Bengali: Jowan / Juvani
- Marathi: Ova
- Telugu: omaan / vamu / Omami / Omamu
- Tamil: Oman / Aman
- Gujarati: Yavano / Ajoma
- Kannada: ajamoola / oma / omu / ajamoda
- Malayalam: Ayamodagam / Thymol seeds
- Oriya: Juani
- Punjabi / Sindhi: Lodhar / Jawain
- Assamese: Jain
- Kashmiri: Jawind
- Konkani: Ovo / Owa
- Manipuri: Kemoi
- Dogri:
- Bhojpuri: Ajwain
Ajwain vs Oregano
Both are two distinct herbs with unique flavors, aromas, and culinary uses.
Flavor and Aroma
Ajwain, also known as carom seeds or omam, has a pungent, slightly bitter taste with a strong aroma reminiscent of thyme. It offers a unique flavor profile to dishes, especially in Indian cuisine. Oregano, a Mediterranean herb, has a robust, aromatic flavor with hints of sweetness and warmth. Its taste is more earthy and herbaceous compared to ajwain.
Culinary Uses
In Indian cooking, people commonly use ajwain seeds whole or ground, especially in bread, lentils, curries, and pickles. They also employ them in herbal medicine to aid digestion and alleviate respiratory issues. Oregano finds wide application in Italian, Greek, and Mediterranean cuisines, serving as a key ingredient in pizza, pasta sauces, salads, marinades, and meat dishes. Typically, oregano is used dried, but it can also be utilized fresh.
Leaves
Oregano leaves possess a small, oval-shaped structure and offer a pungent, aromatic flavor with hints of sweetness and warmth. While dried oregano is common, fresh oregano leaves are also suitable for cooking. Ajwain leaves emit a strong, pungent aroma and taste akin to the seeds, featuring notes of thyme and a slightly bitter undertone. Some regional cuisines, notably in South Asian cooking, use ajwain leaves to flavor dishes such as curries, bread, and lentils.
Substitute
While there may be some instances where you could substitute ajwain for oregano in recipes, the flavor profiles are quite different, and the substitution may significantly alter the taste of the dish. If you do not have oregano on hand and need a substitute, you could consider using thyme, marjoram, basil, or even a combination of dried herbs like basil, thyme, and marjoram, depending on the specific dish you are preparing. However, for recipes that specifically call for oregano, it’s best to try to use oregano for the most authentic flavor profile.
Home Remedies
A popular spice used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines. It is a small, round, slightly bitter seed that has a strong, pungent aroma. Smoke or sniff ajwain seeds to get relief in migraine headache. Ajwain is also an excellent source of dietary fiber, with about 17% of its weight composed of dietary fiber. This makes it a great choice for those looking to increase their daily fiber intake. Ajwain is low in fat and calories, making it a healthy choice for weight loss. It is also low in sugar and carbohydrates. In conclusion, ajwain is an excellent choice for anyone looking to increase their fiber intake, improve their gut health, and reduce inflammation.
Alleviate Nasal Stuffiness
Ajowan seeds effectively alleviate nasal stuffiness, as they are recognized as an effective herb for this purpose. One simple and common method to use ajowan seeds is to create a sachet from them. Individuals can hold the sachet close to their nose and deeply inhale its aroma. Throughout the day, they can keep the sachet nearby for inhalation as needed. Sleeping with the ajowan seed sachet on the pillow provides relief during the night. Infants can experience the same effect by having a small pouch pinned to their dress under the chin while sleeping. Adults can benefit from inhaling vapors produced by adding seeds to boiling water.
Digestive Aid
In indigenous medicine, Ajwain traditionally treats various digestive disorders, including flatulence and indigestion. Consumers can expel stomach gas by ingesting the seeds along with betel leaves. Another household remedy for indigestion and gas formation entails consuming a teaspoon of seeds with a little rock salt. To alleviate indigestion, one can boil a liter of water with a tablespoon of seeds, add a pinch of black salt, and then consume the resulting water. For relief from stomachaches, individuals can masticate and swallow the seeds, followed by a glass of hot water. Additionally, to address pharyngitis associated with influenza, individuals can chew a pinch of seeds with common salt and clove.
Respiratory Problems
The mixture of seeds and buttermilk is effective home remedy for relieving difficult expectoration caused by dried phlegm. Ajowan seeds are very effective to treat bronchitis, asthma and other respiratory diseases as it is a mucus clearing spice. A decoction is useful for lung abscess and tuberculosis. To make this, bring a glass of water to boil. Add 1 teaspoon each of fenugreek seed and ajwain seeds in boiling water and boil on small flame for half an hour. Add honey and 30 ml of this decoction and try taking 3 times a day to see the effect. To treat hardness of voice due to shouting or cold, try seed infusion mixed with common salt for gargling purpose. It is also effective for pharyngitis, sore and congested throat.
Ear Pain
For earache, boil 30 ml of milk and then add 1/2 teaspoon of seeds in milk. Let the milk get permeated by seeds. Let it cool and strain. Use filtered milk as ear drops to decrease congestion and to get relief from pain. To make ear drops for the earache caused by boils, boil 40 gms of sesame oil with 3 gm of ajwain seeds and 3 gm of garlic. Let it boil till oil turns red. Strain the oil and cool it to use as ear drops.
Colic Pain
For relieving colic pain, paste some bisop’s seed and apply locally to get quick relief. Try a pinch of pain bishop seeds along with jaggery as a folk medicine to prevent indigestion and gastro-intestinal infection after child birth. Here is one remedy for flatulence. Soak 1 teaspoon each of ajwain seeds and dried ginger powder in 2 1/2 teaspoon of lime juice. Let this mixture dry and then powder it with little black salt. Try taking 2 gm of powder with warm water to treat stomach flatulence.
Cholera
To mitigate the severity of cholera, administer a drink made with ajwain and caraway seeds. Begin by bringing water to a boil. Next, add ajwain seeds, caraway seeds, a little black salt, and mint to the boiling water. Allow the mixture to boil for a few more minutes. Consume this drink at regular intervals. “Ovum water,” distilled from the seeds, remains a famous remedy for colic. It serves as an excellent carminative that can beneficially relieve flatulence. Moreover, it exhibits antispasmodic properties effective in treating colic and flatulent dyspepsia.
Skin Care
In skin care, applying a poultice of bishops leaves facilitates the healing of itching from insect bites. Massaging the affected area with coconut oil, in which ajwain seeds have been fried, can address muscular pain. Additionally, treating skin conditions such as scabies, ringworm, syphilis, urticaria, and psoriasis involves applying a paste made with 1 part seeds and 1/2 part turmeric powder.
Rheumatic Pain
The oil works best for rheumatic and neuralgic pains. Just apply on affected part to get relief. Ajwain oil in both the forms – pure and dethymolised – is useful as antiseptic and aromatic carminative in India. Its action and uses are similar to thymol which is powerful antiseptic and finds varied application in medicine. Try 1-3 drops of ajwain essential oil for gas formation and indigestion.
Ajwain Oil
It is an essential oil derived from the seeds. Ajwain oil is renowned for its potent medicinal properties and distinctive aroma. It contains various active compounds, including thymol, carvacrol, and terpinene, which contribute to its therapeutic effects. Ajwain oil is a versatile home remedy with various health benefits, ranging from digestive relief to respiratory support and pain management.
Popular home remedies with Ajwain oil
- Digestive Aid: Ajwain oil is commonly used to alleviate digestive discomforts such as bloating, gas, and indigestion. A popular remedy involves diluting Ajwain oil with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil and massaging it onto the abdomen in a clockwise motion. This helps stimulate digestion and relieve gastrointestinal discomfort.
- Respiratory Relief: Inhalation of Ajwain oil vapor can provide relief from respiratory congestion and discomfort. Adding a few drops of oil to hot water and inhaling the steam helps to loosen mucus and phlegm, making it easier to expel during coughs and colds. This remedy can help promote clear breathing and soothe irritated airways.
- Pain Relief: Ajwain oil possesses analgesic properties that can help alleviate muscular aches, joint pain, and headaches. Massaging diluted oil onto sore muscles and inflamed joints provides soothing relief. The warming effect of Ajwain oil also aids in improving blood circulation, further enhancing its pain-relieving benefits.
- Oral Health: Ajwain oil is beneficial for oral health due to its antimicrobial properties. Gargling with a mixture of Ajwain oil and warm water can help combat bad breath, kill oral bacteria, and prevent oral infections. This home remedy promotes oral hygiene and fresh breath.
- Wound Healing: Ajwain oil is known for its antimicrobial and wound-healing properties. Applying diluted Ajwain oil topically to wounds, cuts, and skin infections can help prevent bacterial growth and promote faster healing. This home remedy is effective in treating minor cuts, abrasions, and skin infections.
- Stomach Upset: In cases of stomach upset or nausea, inhaling the aroma of Ajwain oil or applying a few drops to a cloth and inhaling deeply can help alleviate symptoms. The aromatic properties of this oil can help calm the stomach and reduce feelings of nausea.
Ajwain and Weight Loss
There is limited scientific research specifically addressing ajwain’s direct impact on weight loss, it is believed to offer several properties that may support weight management when incorporated into a healthy lifestyle. While ajwain may offer potential benefits for weight management, it’s essential to remember that no single ingredient or food can guarantee weight loss on its own. Sustainable weight management requires a holistic approach that includes a balanced diet, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, stress management, and overall healthy lifestyle habits.
Beneficial Properties
- Digestive Aid: Ajwain is renowned for its digestive properties. It contains active compounds that stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, helping to improve digestion and alleviate common digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and indigestion. By promoting efficient digestion, ajwain may contribute to better nutrient absorption and overall digestive health, which are essential aspects of weight management.
- Metabolism Booster: Some studies suggest that certain compounds found in ajwain, such as thymol, may have metabolism-boosting properties. A faster metabolism can help the body burn calories more efficiently, potentially supporting weight loss efforts when combined with a balanced diet and regular physical activity.
- Detoxification: Ajwain is has detoxifying properties that help cleanse the body of toxins and waste materials. A healthy detoxification process is essential for optimal metabolic function and overall well-being, potentially supporting weight loss efforts by promoting a healthier internal environment.
- Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects: Ajwain contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. By reducing inflammation and oxidative damage, ajwain may support overall health and contribute to weight management by promoting a more balanced and efficient metabolism.
Q. Does a concoction of camphor, mustard oil, ajwain and cinnamon cut belly fat?
There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that a concoction of camphor, mustard oil, ajwain (carom seeds), and cinnamon can directly cut belly fat. Consulting with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian can provide personalized guidance and recommendations based on individual health goals and needs. Using natural ingredients in moderation as part of a healthy lifestyle may complement overall wellness, but relying solely on a specific concoction for weight loss is not advisable without scientific evidence to support its effectiveness and safety.
FAQs.
Q. Can we take ajwain daily?
Yes, it can be use daily in moderate amounts. However, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or nutritionist for personalized advice, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns.
Q. What is the best time to eat ajwain?
It can be consumed at any time of the day. Some people prefer to consume it after meals to aid digestion, while others may use it as a seasoning in various dishes.
Q. Is ajwain hot or cold for the body?
Ajwain is considered to have a “hot” potency in Ayurveda, meaning it generates warmth in the body. It is often used to balance Kapha and Vata doshas. However, individual responses to foods may vary, and it’s essential to listen to your body’s signals.
Q. Can ajwain reduce belly fat?
While ajwain is aid to digestion and metabolism, there are no scientific evidence to support its direct role in reducing belly fat. A healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, is essential for managing weight.
Q. What are the benefits of drinking milk with Ajwain?
Drinking milk with ajwain is useful to help improve digestion and relieve digestive discomforts such as bloating and gas. It may also provide warmth and comfort, especially during cold weather.
Q. What are the benefits of eating ajwain with gud (jaggery)?
Ajwain with gud (jaggery) is a traditional remedy to alleviate digestive issues and provide relief from menstrual cramps. It has carminative properties that aid digestion and help balance Vata dosha.